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BowBiz Bow Sizing

As far as size goes, casual dog bows really have no set rule; it is a matter of personal taste. I have a customer with a
4 lb Maltese that wears two 5/8" bows as ear bows, a customer with a 6 lb Maltese that wears the 7/8" bow as a single topknot bow, a customer with a 2 1/2 lb Yorkie that wears 5/8" bows. It really depends on what type of look you prefer and, of course, the personality of your furbaby.

That being said, here are some general guidelines you can follow. Many breeds range in size so rather than list bows for specific breeds, I have based the following general guidelines on weight.

Topknot size: If your dog has a thin topknot, a smaller, lighter bow would work best.

Head size: From breed to breed, and even within the same breed, dogs have differently sized heads. It is best to experiment with what you feel looks best. Bear in mind, you do not want the bow to overpower the dog but rather compliment its appearance. It is always better to err on the side of being too small rather than too large.

Weight of the Bow: If your dog is new to wearing bows, it may be best to begin with a lighter bow so the dog is less aware of it. Avoid heavier or larger embellishments until your dog is accustomed to having something on its head.

New to wearing bows? A suggestion to get your dog comfortable with wearing bows is to use a grooming band (elastic) to make a topknot (without attaching a bow). This allows your dog to get used to having a topknot. You can then add a small, lightweight bow once your dog is used to having its hair tied up. Visit our "Bow Training Tips" page for more helpful information.